Summer Improvements Coming For Two HS Science Labs

Two of Harrison High School's science labs will be getting a massive makeover this year, making better use of space in hopes to create a better learning environment.

Construction is expected to get underway this summer, thanks to a grant made possible by State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer for $150,000 at no cost to the local taxpayer. The moment school closes and regents exams are over, demolition of the two science rooms will begin.

The grant is a partnership between the Harrison Education Foundation, the Harrison Central School District and Oppenheimer's office.  The foundation is pledging $200,000. The district is pledging  to cut the cost of construction by using some of its in-house expertise in terms of electrical, plumbing and carpentry.

The rooms will be state-of-the art, complete with new science equipment, a lecture area and separate lab facilities recessed hoods within the rooms so that they are accessible for demonstration purposes.  Currently, the lab area is very close to the lecture area.

The rooms will be oriented differently to make it easier for teachers to lecture and to provide more space so that students will be able to move around the lab tables, creating a much safer environment. The school came up with creative ideas to dramatically improve floor space.

Superintendent of Harrison Schools Louis Wool discussed the plans for the future science-chemistry lab renovations.

"The end result will be a better utilization of the existing floor plan of the two chemistry labs." Wool said.  "It will include a complete renovation from floor to ceiling."

Although the school worked with professional architects while planning the changes, Harrison's school administration had some direct influence on the project.

"The science department met with the science supervisor, the superintendent, the assistant superintendent for business and the architects and they had a direct input in the redesign of the labs," said Wool.

Secondary Science Supervisor Claudia Re said the impact of these new renovations will benefit both the school and the students.

"The rooms were originally created when the building was built. What we're trying to accomplish in our science rooms is not only to reorient them but to make them more efficient such as better use of equipment and energy and to increase safety measures so that they meet the current standards." Re said. "The two rooms are quite old and they are used extensively - we have a lot of kids that use the rooms and the equipment and they really needed to be upgraded."

The renovations are expected to be completed and open by the new school year in September.